g3/g5 question

nodoubles · June 21, 2011

Dealing with batteries is a huge negative for me but I really like the features and ease of use of the Garmin. Had anyone used an A/C adaptor for either of these units and could give me their opinion. I just want to plug and play.

LennyTheLip · June 26, 2011

Garmin offers a rechargeable battery pack on the accessories page for the approach 5. I personally love the fact I can just keep a few AA batteries in my bag, I never remember to recharge batteries!

Solutions Etcetera · July 2, 2011

Agree with the Lip here. Standard AAs was one reason I went with the Garmin. I always keep a spare set of alkalines in my bag just in case, but for everyday use I just use rechargeable NiMH AAs. The screen is brighter when using rechargeables and I don't have to keep buying batteries.

Much easier to manage then having to remember to take the GPS from my bag and plug it in to recharge, and then remember to put it bag afterwards.

huskerblue · July 3, 2011

[quote name='Solutions Etcetera' timestamp='1309629094' post='3359355']
but for everyday use I just use rechargeable NiMH AAs. The screen is brighter when using rechargeables and I don't have to keep buying batteries.

Much easier to manage then having to remember to take the GPS from my bag and plug it in to recharge, and then remember to put it bag afterwards.
[/quote]

+++1

At first I thought using AA batteries would be a negative versus a rechargeable battery pack but I have come to love this feature as long as I'm using NiMH's. I have an old sunglasses case that holds the G5 and an extra set of batteries and I'm good to go!

nodoubles · July 3, 2011

To answer my own question the AC adaptor does not allow you to charge the batteries in the unit. I bought a g3 and like the unit . I wanted simple functions without going through menus to get information and the g3 gives you that. My initial doubts about a battery unit turned out to be of no concern. For me it isn't like a cell phone where I would be using it everyday. I have only used it once on a sunny day and found the screen rather reflective. Will try it again tomorrow.

Houstonhacker · July 3, 2011

I'm a big fan of Powerex rechargeable AAs. I use their 2700 milliamp batteries. I'm also a big fan of the Garmin G3 and G5 (I have both--don't ask). For me, they are about perfect.

IMAway · July 5, 2011

I must be slowwwww....or just dumb. Why would anyone NOT want AA batteries for their GPS???

I never have to worry about charging my batteries. I do use rechargeables (so I guess I do have to charge them) but..... if I forget... I always carry a few extra regular AAs in my bag just in case.

If someone uses a GPS that doesn't use AAs... and they forget to recharge... they are screwed!!!

Love the Garmin G3!!!!!!

WishICouldPlayMoreOften · July 6, 2011

Why not AAs? Because I can carry a backup rechargeable or a recharger just as easily. The recharger actually works while the GPS is sitting on the cart. The cost of rechargeables is low enough that they pay for themselves fairly easily. And of course, there's less toxic stuff being shipped to the dump.

Not once have I ever had my rechargeables run out or not be able to be recharged.

Carrying the recharger is the only added bulk, but I'd trade that for consuming and tossing alkalines any day. I'm not a greenie either - it's just that easy.

LennyTheLip · July 6, 2011

[quote name='WishICouldPlayMoreOften' timestamp='1309958598' post='3368484']
Why not AAs? Because I can carry a backup rechargeable or a recharger just as easily. The recharger actually works while the GPS is sitting on the cart. The cost of rechargeables is low enough that they pay for themselves fairly easily. And of course, there's less toxic stuff being shipped to the dump.

Not once have I ever had my rechargeables run out or not be able to be recharged.

Carrying the recharger is the only added bulk, but I'd trade that for consuming and tossing alkalines any day. I'm not a greenie either - it's just that easy.
[/quote]

I think IMAway meant any form of AA batteries. Not that alkaline are any better/worse than a rechargeable. On a separate note, what type of battery charger do you have that you can charge on a golf cart? I'd be interested in that.